Barcelona will look to offload several fringe members of the squad in the upcoming summer transfer window so as to generate some revenue while also freeing up space in their wage budget for new signings.
Philippe Coutinho has already been sold, with Aston Villa signing the Brazilian playmaker on a permanent transfer. The next big challenge for Barça is to find a suitor for injury-prone centre-back Samuel Umtiti.
The French defender has been on the Catalans’ books since 2016 when he signed from Olympique Lyon. After tasting success in his first couple of seasons, the 28-year-old has struggled with unrelenting injury problems and has fallen down the pecking order.
Barcelona were intent on selling him last summer, but Umtiti convinced president Joan Laporta to hand him an opportunity for this season. But, it has amounted to nothing as Umtiti has made just one appearance and spent a significant chunk of the campaign out injured.
The Blaugrana have had problems in finding suitors for the defender due to his high wages in the past. However, following his downward contract renewal in January, the Catalans expect that things could get easier for them to find a buyer for Umtiti.
And, as relayed by SPORT, Umtiti has now been offered to Premier League giants Arsenal ahead of the summer transfer window
The Gunners have held an interest in the 28-year-old Frenchman in the past. It was even reported that Barcelona and Arsenal were in discussions over an operation for him during the January transfer window, only for it to fall through after he got injured.
Arsenal’s backline will be bolstered next season with the return of loanee William Saliba, who has enjoyed a stunning season at Olympique Marseille. However, Mikel Arteta remains keen on adding another centre-half to further reinforce his defensive department.
With Umtiti now being offered to the north London club, it remains to be seen if they decide to sign the injury-prone defender in the summer
